Charlie Adam ruled out for the rest of the season

Charlie Adam is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering lateral ligament damage in his right knee.

It is the latest blow for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who is having to cope with a mounting injury crisis during the club’s worst run of form since 1993.

The Scotland midfielder, 26, missed Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Wigan after he was injured in the 3-2 loss at Queens Park Rangers seven days ago.

Adam was assessed by Liverpool’s medical staff before being sent to a specialist in London amid fears he had ruptured his cruciate ligament – an injury which would have kept him out for a minimum of six months.

Scans showed the injury was not that severe but Adam will need to be seen again in a fortnight to determine the full extent of the problem and whether he requires an operation.

The setback could not have come at a worse time for Dalglish. Liverpool travel to Newcastle on Sunday without Lucas, Maxi Rodriguez, Daniel Agger and, possibly, Craig Bellamy as they look to end a run of five defeats in six Barclays Premier League games.

England full back Glen Johnson, however, could return after missing the last month with a calf problem.